05-04-22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 4, 2022 5 Adrienne Guelker, 1152 Benton Way, introduced herself to the Commission and thanked the Commission for considering her request. Chair Vijums questioned if the applicant had considered other options for the addition, in order to avoid the need for a variance. Mr. Guelker reported he had considered other options and noted the only thing that could mitigate the need for a variance would be to put the dining room on stilts and to leave the area underneath unfinished. He explained if the dining room were 12’ by 12’ he would not need a variance, but indicated this sized addition would not meet the needs of his family. Commissioner Blilie stated she drove by the applicant’s home and it was her opinion that no one would notice the proposed addition except the neighbors to the immediate right and left. Mr. Guelker commented this was correct. Chair Vijums asked if the Guelker’s discussed the proposed addition with their neighbors. Mr. Guelker reported a committee consisting of his two nearest neighbors and association board members voted to approve his addition. Chair Vijums stated this was completely outside his comfort zone, having a separate set of rules for this neighborhood than any other neighborhood in the City of Arden Hills. He indicated he was having a hard time supporting this request, but understood four other variances had already been approved for the Hunters Park neighborhood. Commissioner Wicklund indicated the staff report was very clear for this request and clearly articulates the challenges that the PUD has. He commented that past variance approvals are not a basis for current variance reviews and the four previous variances that were approved are a framework or guide. He explained the existing structure setbacks were not being requested to be removed, but rather the structure lines were being maintained, which he appreciated. He stated the property to the south would not be visually impacted by the proposed addition and noted the property to the north was offering their support to the addition. He was of the opinion a 14’ by 14’ variance was reasonable and explained he would be supporting the variance as requested. Commissioner Collins stated the City completed an interesting study in 1985 to try and formalize the criteria for this neighborhood. He explained the Commission was being asked to apply a framework that was twice the size of this property. He commented on the flexibility that was written into this development and stated he would be offering his support for the variance requested. Commissioner Jefferys reported the Commission may see more requests like this in the future as residents request flexibility for their living space. She noted this development was PUD which allowed for more greenspace with more dense housing. She supported the variance with the conditions for approval.